Coordinated Transmissions Over a Transient Roving Wireless Communication Channel

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for coordinating wireless communication are disclosed. One method includes generating, by a wireless radiator, a plurality of selectable directional wireless communication links capable of providing connectivity across a plurality of cells, wherein each of the cells is spatially different from other cells, and wherein each of the cells covers a cell area, wherein a plurality of hubs are located within the cell area, generating, by a controller, a cell map, wherein the cell map maps which of the directional wireless links, which of the plurality cells, and which of the hubs are active as a function of time, thereby supporting a wireless communication link between the base station and the hubs of the cell area corresponding with the active directional wireless link, and providing the cell map to the base station and the hubs of each of the cells.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/151,143, filed Jan. 16, 2021, which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS

The described embodiments relate generally to wireless communications.More particularly, the described embodiments relate to systems, methodsand apparatuses for coordinated transmissions over a transient rovingwireless communication channel.

BACKGROUND

The Internet of Things (IoT) includes large numbers of devices beingconnected to the internet. The devices can be located in remote placesall over the world.

It is desirable to have methods, apparatuses, and systems forcoordinated transmissions over a transient roving wireless communicationchannel.

SUMMARY

An embodiment includes a system for coordinating wireless communicationbetween a base station and a plurality of hubs. The system includes awireless radiator, a controller, and the plurality of hubs. The wirelessradiator is operative to generate a plurality of selectable directionalwireless communication links capable of providing connectivity across aplurality of cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells is spatiallydifferent from other cells, and wherein each of the plurality of cellscovers a cell area, wherein a plurality of hubs are located within thecell area. The controller is operative to generate a cell map, whereinthe cell map maps which of the plurality of directional wireless links,which of the plurality of cells, and which of the plurality of hubs areactive as a function of time, thereby supporting a wirelesscommunication link between the base station and the plurality of hubs ofthe cell area corresponding with the active directional wireless link,and provide the cell map to the base station and the plurality of hubsof each of the cells.

Another embodiment includes a method for coordinating wirelesscommunication between a base station and a plurality of hubs. The methodincludes generating, by a wireless radiator, a plurality of selectabledirectional wireless communication links capable of providingconnectivity across a plurality of cells, wherein each of the pluralityof cells is spatially different from other cells, and wherein each ofthe plurality of cells covers a cell area, wherein a plurality of hubsare located within the cell area, generating, by a controller, a cellmap, wherein the cell map maps which of the plurality of directionalwireless links, which of the plurality of cells, and which of theplurality of hubs are active as a function of time, thereby supporting awireless communication link between the base station and the pluralityof hubs of the cell area corresponding with the active directionalwireless link, and providing, by the controller, the cell map to thebase station and the plurality of hubs of each of the cells.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a base station wirelessly communicating with a plurality ofhubs through a satellite and a plurality of directional wireless linksof the satellite, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a base station generating schedules for each of a pluralityof directional wireless links, and communicating the schedules to thehubs, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a timeline of communication activity of a hub as controlledby a cell map generated by a controller, and a schedule generated by abase station, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a hub state timeline, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows disparately located cells and simultaneous operation of thedisparately located cells, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows multiple base stations, wherein one of the base stations isselected to be connected to the satellite, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a base station that switches between cells, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a wireless device operating to communicate with a basestation through a satellite, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a wireless device that includes controlof antenna steering of the wireless device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method for coordinatingwireless communication between a base station and a plurality of hubs,according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described include methods, apparatuses, and systems forcoordinated transmissions over a transient roving wireless communicationchannel. For an embodiment, the transient roving wireless communicationchannel includes a plurality of directional wireless links that are eachactivated according to a cell map. An active directional wireless linkprovides a wireless communication link between a base station and hubsthat are located within an area (cell or cell area) covered by theactive directional wireless link. For an embodiment, the activedirectional wireless links are formed by an antenna beamforming patterngenerated by a satellite (wireless radiator). For an embodiment, awireless link is formed between the base station and the satellite, andthe active directional wireless links are formed between the satelliteand the hubs, thereby providing the wireless communication link betweenthe base station and the hubs. Each directional wireless link radiatesover a cell, and each of the cells and hubs within the cells areactivated according to the cell map. For various embodiments, thewireless radiator can include a satellite, a cell tower, a small cell,or a Wi-Fi hot spot.

FIG. 1 shows a base station 120 wirelessly communicating with aplurality of hubs through a satellite (wireless radiator) 110 and aplurality of directional wireless links 171, 172, 173, 174 formed by oneor more antennas of the satellite 110, according to an embodiment. Foran embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a controller130, the base station 120, the satellite 110, and the plurality of hubs.

For an embodiment, the satellite (that is, the wireless radiator) 110operates to generate the plurality of selectable directional wirelesscommunication links 171, 172, 173, 174 capable of providing connectivityacross a plurality of cells 150, wherein each of the plurality of cells150 is spatially different from other cells, and wherein each of theplurality of cells covers a cell area, and wherein a plurality of hubs160 are located within the cell area. That is, each of the selectabledirectional wireless communication links 171, 172, 173, 174 includes awireless beam that covers a corresponding cell area which defines thecorresponding cell 150. For an embodiment, a subset (such as one) of theplurality of selectable directional wireless communication links 171,172, 173, 174 is active at a time, and accordingly, only a subset (suchas one) of the cells is active at a time. Hubs located within a cellthat is active are able to wirelessly communicate with the base station120 through the satellite 110.

For an embodiment, the controller 130 operates or is configured togenerate a cell map 140, wherein the cell map 140 maps which of theplurality of directional wireless links 171, 172, 173, 174, which of theplurality of plurality cells 150, and which of the plurality of hubs 160are active as a function of time, thereby supporting a wirelesscommunication link between the base station 120 and the plurality ofhubs of the cell area corresponding with the active directional wirelesslink 171, 172, 173, 174. Further, the controller provides the cell mapto the base station 120 and the plurality of hubs 160 of each of thecells 150.

As shown, the cell map 140 includes an indication for each cell (forexample, cells 1, 2, 3, 4), an activation time (such as, activationtimes 5′, 6′, 7′, 8′), a carrier frequency (such as, frequencies A, B,C, D), and hubs within the active cells. For example, when cell 1 isactive, hubs H1, H2 are active. When cell 2 is active, hubs H3, H4, H5are active. When cell 3 is active, hub H6 is active. When cell 4 isactive, hubs H7, H8, H9 are active.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary mapping in which a first directional wirelesslink 1 117 is mapped to be active at a first time t1, a seconddirectional wireless link 2 172 is mapped to be active at a second timet2, a third directional wireless link 3 173 is mapped to be active at athird time t3, and a fourth directional wireless link 4 174 is mapped tobe active at a fourth time t4. For an embodiment, the cell map includesa repeating cycle in which the different directional wireless links areeach activated.

For at least some embodiments, multiple cells may be simultaneouslyactive at a time according to the cell map. For an embodiment, the cellmapping corresponds with spatial scanning of beam directions (alsoreferred to as beam hopping). For an embodiment, the cell map isgenerated based on network characteristics, such as, a network trafficdensity, applications being served by the hubs, or characteristics ofhubs within a cell. For an embodiment, the amount of active time foreach cell according to the cell map may be non-uniform and can also begenerated based upon the network characteristics. For an embodiment, thecell map allocates additional active time for cells with higher trafficdensity (greater data traffic demands), and less active time for cellwith less traffic density. For an embodiment, the time between activecell mappings is coordinated with the application being serviced on hubsin that cell. For example, hubs in a cell A may be sold as part of a10-minute periodicity update location tracking service. Therefore, thecell map ensure the cell A is activated at least once every 10 minutesto satisfy the service requirement.

As described, the cell map is provided to the base station 120 and theplurality of hubs 160 of the cells 150. Based on the cell map the basestation 120 and each of the plurality of hubs to know when to wirelesslycommunicate with each other. The communication of the cell map (andother data) from the controller to the hubs can be through the basestation, but may also be through other network paths (for example,through a cellular wireless connection to the hubs). Further, for anembodiment, only a portion of the cell map is communication to a hub.That is, the cell map includes information pertaining to much more thanjust a single hub. For an embodiment, information of the cell map notrelated to a particular hub does not need to be communicated to thatparticular hub.

As previously stated, for an embodiment, the cell map additionallyincludes wireless communication carrier frequencies mapped to each ofthe plurality of cells. The hubs within each of the cells can use theknown (mapped) wireless communication carrier frequencies to initiateand maintain a wireless connection. Hubs may also scan across a knownfrequency range to initiate and maintain a wireless connection.

For an embodiment, the base station and a hub use the cell map tomaintain a connection state of the hub between beam hops (changes in theactivation of the active directional wireless links). For an embodiment,this includes the base station maintaining an RRC (radio resourceconnection) connection state of the hub between hops (changes) of thedirectional wireless link activation so that hub does not need to gothrough an entire connection process every time the beam hops. For thisembodiment, the base station does not send a paging signal to hub whenthe hub is not in the coverage area of the active directional wirelesslink of the base station. For an embodiment, the connection and state ofthe hub related to a timeout is modified to support the activedirectional link schedule of the cell map. Accordingly, more hubs arekept in a connected state because a RNTI (radio network temporaryidentifier) can be re-used. Further, the hubs are being not disconnectedbecause of lack of activity due to cell inactivation because disconnecttimeouts are coordinated with cell map and hubs in cells.

An embodiment includes spatially overlapping cells which can operate onthe same carrier frequency (moving-cell) or different carrierfrequencies when uniform coverage or improved cell-edge performance isneeded. In case of “moving-cell”, only the coverage area is shiftedcreating a virtually large cell.

An embodiment includes allowing some or all hubs to have a fallback(utilized, for example, when the cell map information is not availableyet or the hub fails to connect with the cell for more than a certainperiod of time) option where the hubs perform a period scan of certaincarrier frequencies (which could be configured, for example, in devicefirmware or SIM profile) and “learn” (a kind of AI), among other things,the cell map so that hubs can predict the time when the cell to whichthe hub belongs would be active. For an embodiment, when a cell map isnot received, the hub can generate its own map based upon observedtiming of network availability as perceived by the reception ofreference signals/system information blocks. For an embodiment, if a hubdoes not receive the cell map, the hub can still connect to the basestation by listening (scanning for reception of wireless signals) forthe available network over a time period (for example, 30 minutes) basedupon hearing (wirelessly receiving) reference signals or systeminformation blocks. The hub then fits the timings of wirelesslyreceiving these signals to a model to produce a localized cell map.

FIG. 2 shows a base station 120 generating schedules for each of aplurality of directional wireless links, and communicating 280 theschedules to the hubs 160, according to an embodiment. As previouslydescribed, the cell map 140 maps which of the plurality of directionalwireless links 171, 172, 173, 174, which of the plurality of pluralitycells 150, and which of the plurality of hubs 160 are active as afunction of time, thereby supporting a wireless communication linkbetween the base station 120 and the plurality of hubs of the cell areacorresponding with the active directional wireless link 171, 172, 173,174. An embodiment further includes the base station 120 operating orconfigured to coordinate timing of transmissions between the basestation 120 and the plurality of hubs 160 of each cell area duringactivation of the corresponding directional wireless link. That is, thebase station 120 coordinates the communication between the base stationand the plurality of hub of the activated directional wireless link. Foran embodiment, the coordination includes scheduling of the timing of thewireless communication (downlink and uplink) between the base stationand the hubs.

For an embodiment, the base station further operates to coordinate thefrequency of transmissions between the base station and the plurality ofhubs of each cell area during activation of the correspondingdirectional wireless link. That is, not only may the base stationcoordinate the timing of the communication between the base station andthe hubs of the active directional link, the base station canadditionally or alternatively coordinate the frequency of the wirelesscommunication between the base station and the hubs during activation ofeach of the directional wireless links.

For an embodiment, the base station 120 further operates to generate aschedule (such as, schedules 281, 282, 283, 284) of the coordinatedtiming of the of transmissions between the base station and theplurality of hubs of each cell area during activation of thecorresponding directional wireless link. Further, for an embodiment, thebase station operates to provide 280 the schedule(s) (281, 282, 283,284) to each of the plurality of hubs.

An embodiment includes the plurality of hubs controlling timing oftransmission and reception of wireless communication with the basestation based on the cell map generated by the controller, andadditionally based on the schedule generated by the base station. Thatis, the wireless communication between the base station and each of theplurality of hubs is controlled by both the cell map and thecorresponding schedule.

For an embodiment, the plurality of hubs within the cell area ofnon-active cells corresponding with directional links of the pluralityof directional wireless links that are not activated delay transmissionsand reception of wireless communication with the base station based onthe cell map. That is, sensors associated with a hub may generate senseddata for the hub which is to be communicated upstream to the basestation. However, at the time the sensed data is generated, the hub maybe in an inactive state. Accordingly, if the hub is within a non-activecell, the hub delays transmission of the sensed data until the cell thehub is within becomes active again. Correspondingly, for an embodiment,the base station delays transmissions and reception of wirelesscommunication with the plurality of hubs within the cell area ofnon-active cells corresponding with directional links of the pluralityof directional wireless links that are not activated based on the cellmap.

At least some embodiments include coordinating data transmission andspooling of the hubs based on the cell map. That is, the process of beamhopping as directed by the cell map is coordinated with the hubs so thatthe hubs only transmit and de-spool packets when the hubs are withincoverage of a beam of an active directional wireless link. For anembodiment, the hubs hold (spool) data (for example, sensed data) whenthe base station is not available.

For at least some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of hubscoordinate sleep cycles based on the cell map. That is, while the hub isinactive the hub can go into a sleep state in which portions ofelectronic circuitry of the hub can be deactivated to save power. Thatis sleep cycles of the hubs is coordinated with the beam hopping (thesequence of active cells) as specified by the cell map. As previouslystated, the hub is deactivated and can enter a sleep cycle when the cellmap directs deactivation of the directional wireless link thatcorresponds with the cell that the hub is located within.

For at least some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of hubscoordinates communication with navigational satellites based on the cellmap. For an embodiment, the one or more of the plurality of hubs has asingle RF (radio frequency) chain for transmitting and receivingwireless signals. Therefore, for this embodiment, the hub must pickbetween communicating over satellite wireless link or listening(receiving) to navigation satellite signals (such as, GNSS (GlobalNavigation Satellite System)). Hubs in active cells must choose betweencommunicating with the base station or receiving GNSS signals, which maydegrade the GNSS performance. Hubs in inactive cells can prioritizedGNSS which can result in improved GNSS performance.

For at least some embodiments, the base station further operates tomaintain a list of hubs within each of the cell areas, and coordinateschedule generation based on the maintained list. For an embodiment, thebase station further operates to update the list and the schedule basedon movement of hubs from one cell area to another cell area. For anembodiment, the base station maintains a list of devices (includinghubs) within the cell area of a beam and provides device (including hub)availability information to controller.

For at least some embodiments, one or more of the hubs perform a startupprocess including cell search and synchronization, antenna searching,and navigation satellite acquisition for uplink timing synchronizationbased on the cell map. Performing the startup process based on the cellmap provides for maximum connectivity time with the base station.

For at least some embodiments, one or more hubs operate to prioritizetypes of wireless communication based on the cell map. That is, duringactivation of the cell that the hub belongs to, wireless communicationwith the base station through the satellite may be prioritized. However,when the cell that the hub is located within is not active, the hub mayprioritize other types of wireless communication. For example, for anembodiment, the one or more hubs prioritize other (for example,cellular) communication when the cell area of the one or more hubs isnot activated.

As described, the controller communicates the cell map to the basestation and the hubs. For an embodiment, the controller communicates thecell map to the hubs through the base station. For an embodiment, thebase station communicates the cell map to each of the hubs throughmulticast or broadcast transmissions. The cell map may change over time.Further, the cell map may need to be communicated to many hubs at thesame time. Multicast and/or broadcast communication of the cell map canallow a large number of hubs to quickly and efficiently receive the cellmap.

For at least some embodiments, the base station operates to communicatethe cell map and a channel range to the plurality of hubs. For anembodiment, one or more of the hubs perform a cell search only in thechannel range provided. That is, once the hub knows the channel range,the hub knows what frequencies to search in order to identify a cellthat the hub may attempt or obtain a wireless connection.

For at least some embodiments, the base station re-uses RNTI (radionetwork temporary identifier) and other unique identifiers between theplurality of hubs in spatial disparate cells to control thecommunication of data. For an embodiment, the base station signals thehub it is communicating with via unique identifiers (such as, RNTI).However, due to complexity and overhead limitations the number of uniqueidentifiers available is limited. These identifiers can be re-used ifthey can be transmitted over an area where two hubs with the sameassignment cannot receive messages (interference) meant for the other.Spatially disparate cells are less likely to suffer interference betweenthe cells. Cells can be determined to be spatially disparate ifcommunication from one cell does not interfere with communication of theother cell.

FIG. 3 shows a timeline 300 of communication activity of a hub ascontrolled by a cell map generated by a controller, and a schedulegenerated by a base station, according to an embodiment. As shown,according to the cell map, there are time periods in which a cell 1 isactive (communication by the base station with hubs occurs within cell1), and there are time periods in which the cell 1 is inactive (nocommunication by the hubs within the cell 1). As shown, a particular hub(Hub A) is located within the cell area of cell 1. Further, according tothe schedule generated by the base station, the Hub A communicates withthe base station during the time period in which the cell 1 is active.The wireless communication between the base station and the Hub Aincludes wireless downlink communication from the base station to theHub A, and uplink wireless communication from the Hub A to the basestation. As directed by the cell map, the Hub A does not communicateduring the time period in which the cell 1 is inactive.

FIG. 4 shows a hub state timeline, according to an embodiment. As shown,the hub state timeline includes an inactive state, a setup andconnection state, and a communication state. The inactive state occurswhen the cell map indicates that the hub is inactive because thedirectional wireless link of the cell in which the hub is located isinactive. The setup and connection state occurs upon the hub reachingthe active state. For an embodiment, for the setup and connection state,the hub performs a startup procedure to maximize wireless channelutilization during cell active time. For an embodiment, the hub reloadsa base station context after synchronizing with base station. This helpsin minimizing the cell connection overhead and helps in maintaining thehub in a connected state between beam hops. For example, the hub mayretain RNTI information. The hub startup and connection period can alsoinclude a cell search and antenna steering optimizations.

FIG. 5 shows disparately located cells (Cell 1, Cell 2) and simultaneousoperation of the disparately located cells, according to an embodiment.According to the cell map, both directional wireless links (Link 1 571,Link 2 572) are active at a time t1. Accordingly, Cell 1 and Cell 2 areactive, as are the hubs Hub A, Hub B, Hub C, and Hub D located withinCell 1 and Cell 2. For an embodiment, the Cell 1 and the Cell 2 arespatially disparate when interference between the cells is below aninterference threshold. Accordingly, wireless communication between thebase station and the hubs of Cell 1 does not interfere (below thethreshold) with wireless communication between the base station and thehubs of Cell 2, and wireless communication between the base station andthe hubs of Cell 2 does not interfere (below the threshold) withwireless communication between the base station and the hubs of Cell 1.

As was previously described, for at least some embodiments, the basestation re-uses RNTI (radio network temporary identifier) and otherunique identifiers between the plurality of hubs in spatial disparatecells to control the communication of data. For an embodiment, the basestation signals the hub it is communicating with via unique identifiers(such as, RNTI). However, due to complexity and overhead limitations thenumber of unique identifiers available is limited. These identifiers canbe re-used if they can be transmitted over an area where two hubs withthe same assignment cannot receive messages (interference) meant for theother. Spatially disparate cells are less likely to suffer interferencebetween the cells. Cells can be determined to be spatially disparate ifcommunication from one cell does not interfere with communication of theother cell.

FIG. 6 shows multiple base stations 620, wherein one of the basestations is selected to be connected to the satellite 110, according toan embodiment. For an embodiment, the controller 130 selects which ofthe base stations 620 is connected to the satellite using an RF (radiofrequency) switch 680. For an embodiment, the RF switch 680 is anelectro-mechanical/electronic 1: N switch. The base station connected tothe satellite operates as previously described. For this embodiment, thecontroller generates the cell map, and additionally, selects which basestation 620 is communicating with the hubs through the satellite 110.For an embodiment, the base station may change its output frequency inaccordance with the cell map.

FIG. 7 shows a base station 720 that switches between cells, accordingto an embodiment. For an embodiment, the base station 720 switchesbetween cells by converting its base frequency using an external RFConverter. For this embodiment, the controller 130 selects the frequencyof the cell.

For an embodiment, the base station 720 switches between cells bychanging its base frequency to match the cell frequency via directcommands from the controller 130. For this embodiment, the controller130 directly commands the base station 720 to tune to the frequency ofthe cell.

FIG. 8 shows a wireless device 810 (which can be one of the previouslydescribed hubs) operating to communicate with a base station 840 througha satellite 892, according to an embodiment. For at least someembodiments, the wireless device 810 is a mobile device. For anembodiment, the wireless device 810 is able to communicate with anoutside network 880 through the base station 840. Further, the basestation 840 is able to communication with a network management element850 that includes the controller 855 and a database 850. The operationsof FIG. 8 include a base station communicating through one of the activedirectional links to the corresponding active hubs. The controller 855operates to generate the cell map.

Further, for at least some embodiments, an antenna array 820 of thewireless device 810 forms a directional beam that facilitates a wirelesscommunication link 847 through the satellite 892 to the base station840. Due to motion of the wireless device 810, the direction of thedirectional beam needs to be updated over time. The wirelesscommunication between the wireless device 810 and the base station 840is also enabled by a radio 830 of the wireless device 810 and a radio845 of the base station 840.

For at least some embodiments, the wireless device 810 includes motionsensors 824. Further, the wireless device 810 includes a Hub controller822 that receives the sensed motion from the motion sensors 824, andadapts a direction of the directional beam formed by the antenna array820 accordingly.

For at least some embodiments, the Hub controller 822 operates todetermine a direction of the wireless link to the satellite 892 from thewireless device 810 based on one or more measured signal metrics (forexample, RSSI) of wireless communication (through the wirelesscommunication link 847) with the base station 840. The Hub controller822 further operates to select at least one of a plurality ofbeamforming direction settings of the multip le antenna array 820 of theradio 830 of the wireless device 810. For an embodiment, the one or moremeasured signal metrics are measured according to the cell map. That is,the measurements are synchronized with the cell map.

The motion sensors 824 sense motion of the wireless device 810. The Hubcontroller 822 uses the sensed motion to measure motion of the wirelessdevice relative to the determined wireless link direction.

Further, the Hub controller 822 operates to select a one of theplurality of beamforming settings for communicating with the basestation based on the determined wireless link direction, a one of theplurality of beamforming settings that corresponds with the determinedwireless link direction, and the sensed motion relative to the referenceorientation.

For at least some embodiments, the Hub controller 822 further operatesto receive data from connected data sources 811, 812, 813. Thecontroller collects the received data, and communicates the collecteddata to the base station 840 through the wireless link 847. For anembodiment, the base station 840 provides the collected data to anoutside network 880. For an embodiment, the base station 840 accesses anetwork management element 850 that includes a database 860 ofinformation that can be used for aiding the communication of thecollected data from the data sources 811, 812, 813, through the wirelessdevice 810, to the base station 840.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a wireless device (hub) that includescontrol of antenna steering of the wireless device, according to anembodiment. For at least some embodiments, the plurality of hubs withinthe plurality of cells areas coordinate the use of RSSI measurements (aspart of signal map building process, wherein the signal map buildingprocess must be coordinated with cell map, and performed during cellactivation) to tune antenna gain patterns of antennas of the hub withthe cell map. For an embodiment, the tuning of the antenna patterns iscontrolled by an N-axis (for an embodiment, N=6) IMU (inertialmeasurement unit). The hubs can be subject to motion and the N-axis IMUis used to control the tuning of the antenna gain patterns of theantennas of the hub. Further, a received signal strength of receivedsatellite signals can additionally be used for controlling the tuning.For an embodiment, during in-active cell times, the hubs operate theirsteering using the open loop 6-axis data inputs, and during active celltimes the hubs additional include RSSI (receive signal strengthindicator) data to eliminate integrated error. For an embodiment, anantenna steering algorithm of the hub uses a scan mode to find thedirection (antenna pattern direction) with maximum signal strength, andIMU information is used to track the direction in which best signalstrength was measured. Since, the satellite signal is available onlywhen RF beam is available, the antenna steering remains in tracking modewhen the RF beam is not available and scan mode is enabled when RFsignal is available. Therefore, an antenna steering state machine isupdated to coordinate with beam hopping provided by the cell map.

As shown, an antenna array 910 forms a directional beam 960. For anembodiment, the direction of the directional beam 960 is adjustable tomultiple directions.

As shown, a communication signal metric (for example, received signalstrength) is measured during the activation time of the wireless device(hub) 900. For an embodiment, signal map building processing of acontroller 905 of the wireless device 900 (for example, a hub) receivesthe signal metric. For an embodiment, a value of the signal metric isdependent on how well the directional beam 960 is aligned with thedirection of the wireless link between the wireless device 900 and thebase station. It is to be understood that the wireless link may be a LOS(line-of-sight) wireless link or a NLOS (non-line-of-sight) wirelesslink. Either way, the wireless link is in a direction that provides aquality (better than a threshold) wireless link between the wirelessdevice 900 and the base station.

As the wireless device 900 changes its physical orientation, thealignment of the directional beam 960 with the direction of the wirelesslink between the wireless device 900 and the base station changes.Accordingly, the described embodiments provide for reselection of thedirection of the directional beam 960 to maintain the alignment (or atleast improve the alignment) of the directional beam 960 with thedirection of the wireless link d the base station is influenced by boththe selected direction of the directional beam 960 between the wirelessdevice 900 and the base station.

For an embodiment, signal map building processing 940 includes trackingthe signal metric (for example, RSSI) of a received signal while theorientation of the wireless device changes, and for different selectionsof the direction of the directional beam 960. Visually, this can berealized by a virtual sphere, wherein the mapping includes plotting theRSSI along the surface of the sphere as the physical orientation of thewireless device changes, and the selected direction of the directionalbeam changes. The value of the RSSI reflects the quality of theconnection through the wireless link to the base station.

As shown, one or more motion sensors 920 sense changes in orientation ofthe wireless device 900. As previously described, for an embodiment, themotion sensors 920 include a 6—axis IMU. For an embodiment, the 6-axisIMU includes a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope. For anembodiment, the sensed motion is provided to relative orientationprocessing 930 of the controller 905 of the wireless device 900.

The relative orientation processing 930 provides an input to the signalmap building processing 940 that reflects the orientation of thewireless device. For an embodiment, the relative orientation processing930 provides an input to the signal map building processing 940 thatreflects the orientation of the wireless device relative to thedetermined direction of the wireless link to the satellite.

A signal map is provided to an antenna beam selector 950 which selectsthe beamforming direction selection of the antenna array 910.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method for coordinatingwireless communication between a base station and a plurality of hubs,according to an embodiment. A first step 1010 includes generating, by awireless radiator, a plurality of selectable directional wirelesscommunication links capable of providing connectivity across a pluralityof cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells is spatially differentfrom other cells, and wherein each of the plurality of cells covers acell area, wherein a plurality of hubs are located within the cell area.A second step 1020 includes generating, by a controller, a cell map,wherein the cell map maps which of the plurality of directional wirelesslinks, which of the plurality of cells, and which of the plurality ofhubs are active as a function of time, thereby supporting a wirelesscommunication link between the base station and the plurality of hubs ofthe cell area corresponding with the active directional wireless link. Athird step 1030 includes providing, by the controller, the cell map tothe base station and the plurality of hubs of each of the cells.

As previously described, for an embodiment the cell map additionallyincludes wireless communication carrier frequencies mapped to each ofthe plurality of cells.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes coordinatingtiming of transmissions between the base station and the plurality ofhubs of each cell area during activation of the correspondingdirectional wireless link. As previously described, an embodimentfurther includes coordinating a frequency of transmissions between thebase station and the plurality of hubs of each cell area duringactivation of the corresponding directional wireless link. As previouslydescribed, an embodiment further includes generating, by the basestation, a schedule of the coordinated timing of the of transmissionsbetween the base station and the plurality of hubs of each cell areaduring activation of the corresponding directional wireless link, andprovide the schedule to each of the plurality of hubs. As previouslydescribed, an embodiment further includes the plurality of hubscontrolling timing of transmission and reception of wirelesscommunication with the base station based on the cell map generated bythe controller and the schedule generated by the base station.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes the plurality ofhubs within the cell area of non-active cells corresponding withdirectional links of the plurality of directional wireless links thatare not activated delaying transmissions and reception of wirelesscommunication with the base station based on the cell map. As previouslydescribed, an embodiment further includes the base station delayingtransmissions and reception of wireless communication with the pluralityof hubs within the cell area of non-active cells corresponding withdirectional links of the plurality of directional wireless links thatare not activated.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes coordinating, bythe plurality of hubs, sleep cycles based on the cell map. As previouslydescribed, an embodiment further includes coordinating, by the pluralityof hubs, communication with navigational satellites based on the cellmap.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes maintaining, bythe base station, a list of hubs within each of the cell areas, andcoordinate schedule generation based on the maintained list. Aspreviously described, an embodiment further includes updating, by thebase station, the list and the schedule based on movement of hubs fromone cell area to another cell area.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes performing, byone or more hubs, a startup process including cell search andsynchronization, antenna searching, and navigation satellite acquisitionfor uplink timing synchronization based on the cell map.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes prioritizing, byone or more hubs, types of wireless communication based on the cell map.For an embodiment, the one or more hubs prioritize other communicationwhen the cell area of the one or more hubs is not activated.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes communicating,by the base station, the cell map and a channel range to the pluralityof hubs, and where one or more of the hubs perform a cell search in therange provided.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes coordinating, bythe plurality of hubs within the plurality of cells areas, the use ofRSSI measurements to tune their antenna gain patterns with the cell map.

As previously described, an embodiment further includes re-using, by thebase station, RNTI (radio network temporary identifier) and other uniqueidentifiers between the plurality of hubs in spatial disparate cells tocontrol the communication of data.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, theembodiments are not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangementsof parts so described and illustrated. The described embodiments are toonly be limited by the claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for coordinating wireless communicationbetween a base station and a plurality of hubs, comprising: a wirelessradiator, the wireless radiator operative to: generate a plurality ofselectable directional wireless communication links capable of providingconnectivity across a plurality of cells, wherein each of the pluralityof cells covers a cell area, wherein the plurality of hubs are locatedwithin the cell area; the base station operative to: receive a cell map,wherein the cell map maps which of the plurality of selectabledirectional wireless communication links, which of the plurality ofcells, and which of the plurality of hubs are active as a function oftime, thereby supporting a wireless communication link between the basestation and the plurality of hubs of the cell area corresponding withthe active directional wireless link; and coordinate timing oftransmissions between the base station and the plurality of hubs of eachcell area during activation of the corresponding directional wirelesslink.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cell map additionallyincludes wireless communication carrier frequencies mapped to each ofthe plurality of cells.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the basestation further operates to coordinate a frequency of transmissionsbetween the base station and the plurality of hubs of each cell areaduring activation of the corresponding directional wireless link.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the base station further operates to:generate a schedule of the coordinated timing of the of transmissionsbetween the base station and the plurality of hubs of each cell areaduring activation of the corresponding directional wireless link; andprovide the schedule to each of the plurality of hubs.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, further comprising the plurality of hubs controlling timing oftransmission and reception of wireless communication with the basestation based on the cell map and the schedule generated by the basestation.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising the plurality ofhubs within the cell area of non-active cells corresponding withdirectional links of the plurality of directional wireless links thatare not activated delaying transmissions and reception of wirelesscommunication with the base station based on the cell map.
 7. The systemof claim 1, further comprising the base station delaying transmissionsand reception of wireless communication with the plurality of hubswithin the cell area of non-active cells corresponding with directionallinks of the plurality of directional wireless links that are notactivated.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising the plurality ofhubs coordinating sleep cycles based on the cell map.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising the plurality of hubs coordinatingcommunication with navigational satellites based on the cell map. 10.The system of claim 5, wherein the base station further operates tomaintain a list of hubs within each of the cell areas, and coordinateschedule generation based on the maintained list.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the base station further operates to update the listand the schedule based on movement of hubs from one cell area to anothercell area.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more hubs perform astartup process including cell search and synchronization, antennasearching, and navigation satellite acquisition for uplink timingsynchronization based on the cell map.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein one or more hubs operates to prioritize types of wirelesscommunication based on the cell map.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinthe one or more hubs prioritize other communication when the cell areaof the one or more hubs is not activated.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the base station operates to communicate the cell map to theplurality of hubs through multicast or broadcast transmissions.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the base station operates to communicate thecell map and a channel range to the plurality of hubs, and where one ormore of the hubs perform a cell search in the range provided.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hubs within the plurality ofcells areas coordinate the use of RSSI measurements to tune theirantenna gain patterns with the cell map.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the base station re-uses RNTI (radio network temporaryidentifier) and other unique identifiers between the plurality of hubsin spatial disparate cells to control the communication of data.
 19. Amethod for coordinating wireless communication between a base stationand a plurality of hubs, comprising: generating, by a wireless radiator,a plurality of selectable directional wireless communication linkscapable of providing connectivity across a plurality of cells, whereineach of the plurality of cells covers a cell area, wherein the pluralityof hubs are located within the cell area; generating a cell map, whereinthe cell map maps which of the plurality of directional wireless links,which of the plurality of cells, and which of the plurality of hubs areactive as a function of time, thereby supporting a wirelesscommunication link between the base station and the plurality of hubs ofthe cell area corresponding with the active directional wireless link;and coordinating, by the base station, timing of transmissions betweenthe base station and the plurality of hubs of each cell area duringactivation of the corresponding directional wireless link.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising: generating, by the base station,a schedule of the coordinated timing of the of transmissions between thebase station and the plurality of hubs of each cell area duringactivation of the corresponding directional wireless link; andproviding, by the base station, the schedule to each of the plurality ofhubs.